WONDERFUL QUARTER-PLATE TINTYPE OF AN OFFICER WITH THREE ARMED AND EQUIPPED ENISTED MEN – OFFICER BELIEVED TO HAVE DIED OF WOUNDS RECEIVED AT SHILOH

$1,750.00 SOLD

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Item Code: 2021-928

Outstanding outdoor group shot of an officer standing with his sword drawn and held at the position of “SHOULDER ARMS.” He wears a dark forage cap, frock coat and light trousers. The photographer has gilded the hilt of his sword, shoulder straps, belt plate, buttons and forage cap chinstrap buckle. The three enlisted men consist of two privates and a corporal all armed with muskets with fixed bayonets held at the position of “ATTENTION.” All wear dark forage caps with matching shell jackets with cloth epaulets. The private closest to the officer wears dark trousers while the other two wear light trousers. The enlisted man second from the right wears corporal’s stripes on his sleeves. All of the enlisted men have gilded chinstrap buckles on their caps, buttons, breast and belt plates, cap box finials and on the muskets, gilded trigger guards, nose caps and tompions.

Contrast and clarity are excellent.

Image comes with a scalloped decorative mat and stamped brass frame all housed in a Union case in excellent condition. The front panel of the case has a lyre made up of scrolls and cherubs at center of a pillared arch decorated with a floral pattern while the pillars are topped with urns. The back panel has four five-pointed stars, one in each corner. At center is an open Bible on an altar. The Bible is emitting rays of sunlight. The whole is within a boarder that reads “OUR FATHER WHICH ART IN HEAVEN HALLOWED BE THY NAME… BUT DELIVER US FROM EVIL.” Case is clean and excellent.

With the image is some research stating that the officer in the photograph is Captain John Musser of the 46th Illinois Infantry.

Research states that John Musser was born at Penn Hall, Center County, Pennsylvania on March 18 1833. In 1856 he moved to Orangeville, Stephenson County, Illinois and engaged in farming and soon after in the merchandise business where he built up a lucrative trade. In his native state he was connected with a militia company and was well instructed in the knowledge of military movements. In the summer of 1861 he enlisted and was instrumental in enlisting a company for the war. He was commissioned captain of Company A, 46th Illinois Infantry and was mustered in on September 10, 1861. While at Camp Butler in Illinois he brought his Company up to a high proficiency of drill … he was not excelled by any. He participated in the battle of Fort Donelson on February 16, 862 and at Shiloh, he led his Company with courage and great bravery and was mortally wounded. After being wounded he sheathed his sword, continued at his post, seized a gun, and fired several shots and fell from sheer exhaustion. He was carried from the field and placed in a hospital boat. He survived the trip back to Illinois where his leg had to be amputated. He died on April 23, 1862. He was buried in Orangeville Cemetery, Orangeville, Illinois.

From the research it appears the ID was made by comparing the face of the officer in this image with a known photo of Musser. The match looks good. It is also believed that the private standing next to the officer is John Musser’s brother James. Also, a quick internet search did turn up photos of men in the 46th wearing shell jackets like those seen in this photo.

Whether the ID’s are correct or not, it is still a fantastic image and well worth the price.   [ad] [ph:L]

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